Aesculap Implant Systems, LLC Debuts New VEGA System® PS Knee Replacement Technology (press release)
The VEGA System Design is a Pivotal Breakthrough in Knee Replacement Technology
Aesculap Implant Systems’ debuted the new VEGA System Posterior Stabilized Knee Replacement Technology during the Current Concepts in Joint Replacement Spring meeting held in Las Vegas, Nevada. The VEGA System is based on a patent-pending post-cam mechanism that recreates a natural pivotal motion while greatly reducing surface stress. Additionally, the narrowed design combined, with smoother transitional radii reduce soft-tissue infringement. 13 femoral sizes and 11 tibial sizes offer a wide-range of options for a better bone fit. The VEGA System includes the Advanced Surface (AS) multi-layer coating, which has demonstrated reduced wear results and increased longevity. Aesculap Implant Systems along with an international group of experienced surgeons have collaboratively combined their expertise and knowledge to design this pivotal breakthrough in knee replacement technology.
“The breakthrough design concepts found in the VEGA System knee replacement allows the patient to regain their natural motion while the Intuitive and Quick instrumentation leads you through a logical step-wise progression during surgery, reducing steps in the Operating Room for optimum outcomes.”
Natural Knee Kinematics
Designed to mimic natural knee kinematics by enabling a physiological pivot around the medial condyle, the VEGA System’sdistinctive patent pending post-cam design facilitates a large range of motion and optimized surface contact between the femoral component and gliding surfaces. The surface contact between the articulating components maximizes bearing surface stress distribution, reducing the risk of delamination.
Unique 7-Layer AS Coating
Wear is the number one reason for knee revision in the long term.1 The AS multilayer coating can withstand corrosive environments, high stresses and strains that all artificial knees are exposed to in the human body. An AS coated knee prosthesis demonstrates 60% reduction in wear when compared to a CoCr prosthesis, as demonstrated in testing with other Aesculap knee designs.2,3 The hard ZrN ceramic surface can lead to improved scratch resistance and good wettability for better articulation between bearing surfaces.
Soft-Tissue Friendly Design
13 femoral sizes, including standard and narrow design, and 11 tibial sizes, including standard and AP+ sizes, offer a wide range of soft-tissue-friendly implants for a better bone fit regardless of gender, size, morphotype, or race. Additionally, the VEGA System’s low-profile box helps preserve more bone.
Innovation that Moves You
The VEGA System’s IQ Instrumentation platform is highly intuitive, with dual-purpose instruments, fewer trays, and a simplistic design that allows surgeons to operate quickly and easily resize. Reduce steps in your workflow to save time and money.
The design team was led by William Mihalko, MD, PhD, Professor and J.R. Hyde Chair and Director of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Tennessee Campbell Clinic Department of Orthopaedics and Biomedical Engineering and K.J. Saleh, BSc, MD, MSc (Epid), FRCS(C), MHCM, with a focus on bringing more natural knee motion with less resistance to patients. Dr. Mihalko said, “The breakthrough design concepts found in the VEGA System knee replacement allows the patient to regain their natural motion while the Intuitive and Quick instrumentation leads you through a logical step-wise progression during surgery, reducing steps in the Operating Room for optimum outcomes.”
For additional information or to request a demonstration visit www.aesculapimplantsystems.com/VEGA
For comprehensive information regarding the AS coating visit www.aesculapimplantsystems.com.
1 Sharkey PF, Hozack WJ, Rothman RH, Shastri S, Jacoby SM. Insall Award paper. Why are total knee arthroplasties failing today? Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2002 Nov;(404):7-13.
2 Aff atato S, Spinelli M, Lopomo N, Grupp TM, Marcacci M, Toni A. Can the method of fixation influence the wear behaviour of ZrN coated unicompartmental mobile knee prostheses? Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon). 2011 Feb;26(2): 152-8. Epub 2010 Oct 8.
3 Grupp TM, Schwiesau T. Determination of the wear behavior of the UNIVATION mobile knee system T018, Mar 2007
4 Hallab N, Merritt K, Jacobs JJ. Metal sensitivity in patients with orthopaedic implants. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2001 Mar;83-A(3):428-36.
5 Savarino L, Tigani D, Greco M, Baldini N, Giunti A. The potential role of metal ion release as a marker of loosening in patients with total knee replacement: a cohort study. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2010 May;92(5):634-8
6 Reich J, Hovy L, Lindenmaier HL, Zeller R, Schwiesau J, Thomas P, Grupp TM. Präklinische Ergebnisse beschichteter Knieimplantate für Allergiker. Orthopäde.2010 Mai;39(5): 495-502
About Aesculap Implant Systems, LLC
Aesculap Inc., a B. Braun company, founded in 1867 in Tuttlingen, Germany, is the world’s largest and one of the most respected manufacturers of surgical instruments and sterilization container. Aesculap is a leading privately-owned manufacturing company, passionately committed to providing high-quality, innovative products and services to all surgical disciplines, with particular focus in the fields of General, Neuro, Spine and Orthopaedics.
Aesculap Implant Systems, LLC, established by Aesculap, Inc. in 2005, focuses on delivering innovative solutions to the spine and orthopaedic markets. Aesculap Implant Systems maintains a surgeon/patient focus with the goal of improved operative procedures and patient outcomes leading to an improved quality of life. For more information about Aesculap Implant Systems or its medical products, call 800-234-9179, email us at info@aesculap.com or visit www.AesculapImplantSystems.com.
About B. Braun
B. Braun is a leading manufacturer of infusion therapy and pain management products with an environmentally-friendly focus. Guided by the company’s “Sharing Expertise®” philosophy, B. Braun addresses the critical issues of infection prevention, medication safety and environmental responsibility by promoting best practices that help clinicians reduce medication errors, prevent healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) and achieve sustainability objectives.
Consistently recognized by Frost & Sullivan and KLAS for its medical technology and support services, B. Braun employees share their knowledge with colleagues and customers to improve working processes in hospitals and medical practices and to enhance the safety of patients and healthcare professionals. For more information, call 800-227-2862, e-mail us at inquiry.us@bbraun.com or visit B. Braun at www.bbraunusa.com.